Commentator Isa Guha has apologised for referring to India bowler Jasprit Bumrah as the “most valuable primate” during the Gabba Test. 

Guha made the remark while commentating for Fox Sports on day two, praising Bumrah alongside former Australian Test players Brett Lee and Allan Border.

“He’s the MVP isn’t he? Most valuable primate, Jasprit Bumrah,” she said, after which one of her commentators was heard exclaiming “oh”.

“He’s the one who’s going to do all the talking for India and why so much focus was on him in the build-up to this Test match.”

The comment from the former England international raised eyebrows, particularly considering the history between Australia and India in cricket, including racial slurs of “monkey” directed at Andrew Symonds in 2007 and 2008.

At the start of Fox’s commentary on day three, Guha apologised for her comments. 

“I used a word that can be interpreted a number of different ways. Firstly, I’d like to apologise for any offence caused,” she said.

“I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others. I only meant the highest praise for one of India’s greatest players and someone that I admire greatly.

“I’m an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game.

“I’m trying to frame the enormity of his achievements and I’ve chosen the wrong word. And for that I am deeply sorry.”

Guha, who was born in England to Indian parents, said she hoped people “would recognise there was no other intention or malice there”.

There was a series of comedy films from the 2000s about a chimpanzee that played various sports that started with MVP: Most Valuable Primate.

“I hope this hasn’t overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far and I look forward to seeing how it progresses, but once again I’m really, really sorry.”

Former India coach and fellow Fox commentator Ravi Shastri praised Guha’s bravery in fronting up publicly and said he had spoken to the team about the comment and they were keen to get on with the Test.

Bumrah certainly did that, taking his sixth wicket of the innings and 18th for the series in just the fifth over of the day.

He was named player of the match in the first Test after taking eight wickets in India’s victory in Perth.

The biggest Australia-India moments

Throughout the summer, we’ll look back at some of the best stories and share our own favourite moments from Australia and India’s cricket history.

Join us to continue the conversation on our live blogs and on the radio over the summer before the readers’ top 10 is revealed ahead of the fifth Test at the SCG from January 3.

Select five options to make sure your vote is counted.